Victoria

Most places can be reached within a day's drive from Melbourne, and there are many natural, cultural and historic areas to discover. The Picturesque Murray River stretches along the border wuth New South Wales, while the southern coastline is spectacular and varied, taking in the Great Ocean Road to the west and the Gippsland Lakes area to the east.

Don't miss the beautiful alpine high country, and visit the goldfields to relive an exciting episode in Victoria's history. Tranquil Lakes,beaches,desert parks,cool lush forests,and beautiful countryside surrounded by accessible cities, historic towns, and villages await the exploring visitors.

Transport options are excellent with coaches,trains,planes carry visitors into parts of the state, and for those who want to explore by car is also a very safe way to travel at your own leisure and pace. The capitol of Australia from 1901 to 1927, Melbourne has an absorbing history influenced by many people from all over the world.Treasury Museum and the Old Melbourne Goal where bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged are all in easy reach in the city area.

Melbourne's gardens are stunning year-round such as the Royal Botanic Gardens are among the worlds best, the Kings domain contains La Trobe's cottage, and the first goverment house, and the Fitzroy gardens holds Captain Cook's Cottage.

Flowing through the heart of the city, the Yarra River is a focus for activity and recreation. The Southgate precinct, Crown Casino and the Melbourne Aquarium are features along it's banks. Polly Woodside is moored on the river she's a restored Square Rigger and is part of a maritime museum. The Yarra's diverse water traffic makes it a good spot for cruise boats and water taxis, rowing teams, and the path winding alongside the river is popular with walkers,cyclists and in-line skaters.

Artistically, Melbourne is spoiled for many choices from, Comedy,Theatre,Film,Fashion,galleries,Literature,,live music are among the many options. Venues include the Victorian Arts Centre and Melbourne Concert Hall, clustered near the Yarra. Federation square in the heart of central Melbourne creates an exciting ultra-modern city block with a fusion of arts,events,leidure,hospitality and promenading. It houses the Ian Potter Centre:NGV Australian Art, the Australian Centre for Moving Arts,Image, SBS Television station,the Melbourne Visitor Infromation centre, and several resturants,bars,cafes. The Arts are also proudly promoted and have a strong cultural feel to the city life, the city pulses with with a cosmopolitan atmoshere, including a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, abundant shopping, excellent food and resturants, and many other distractions. The city is surrounded by relaxing daytrips such as a relaxing day at a nursery up in the Dandenong Ranges or watching the Peguins down at Phillip Island or relaxing in the mineral waters at Hepburn Springs Mineral Reserve.